Suicide Prevention

Guiding Principles

The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is committed to supporting the whole child, by developing positive moral and performance character in our children. We do this through personalized education, providing a comprehensive approach where children have many opportunities to find their greatness, and through embracing the concept of a growth mindset. We promote coping skills in every child through education, awareness, and resource connections. We come alongside parents, helping children grow into the positive mental health needed to be resilient and connected adults.

In addition, we recognize that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. We believe we have an ethical responsibility to take a proactive approach in providing education, risk assessment, connection to mental health resources, and re-entry support to young people. This aligns with best practices recommended by the American School Counseling Association, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), The National Association of School Psychologists, and the Oregon Department of Education's Health-Wellness Standards.

Our district invests in a circles of support model. In this way of thinking, we invest most heavily in promotion, by investing in the developmental assets that support children well in all aspects of developing healthy physical, emotional, and mental health. Next, we commit toprevention by providing specific education around coping skills, how to get help, community resources, and, when developmentally appropriate, the signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior. We have clear procedures and trained staff to engage inintervention when students display signs of suicidal ideation, working with the family to get them to appropriate mental health resources. Finally, we have clear guidance forpostvention, to help students as they rebuild resiliency and coping skills after a suicide concern or attempt.

Re-Entry Safety Plan for a Student At-Risk of Self-Harm(required documentation form after attempt or hospitalization - may also be used for a student at-risk of suicide. Counselor keeps in working file and sends a copy to nursing secretary to keep on file in Student Services office)